(AllHipHop News) MMG and Grammy-nominated rapper Wale recently inked a deal with Skullcandy. Skullcandy signed Wale for his blends of Hip-Hop, house, funk and Go-Go, a sound that is popular in Washington D.C. A rep for Skullcandy said they are “excited to welcome such a diverse talent to our crew and to ensure that fans receive the Skullcandy VIP treatment.” Soon, Wale will be release the first track from his mixtape “Folarin,” which will drop in its entirety for download on Skullcandy’s site on the morning of December 24, as part of the “12 Days of Wale.”

In an interview with Ma$e and Sway Calloway from MTV, Ma$e cleared the air discussing the ups and downs of contractual obligations that he was under with Diddy and Bad Boy Records, after 16 years. While the media and fans have speculated about his signing with G-Unit, Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music, YMCMB and even Rick Ross’ MMG imprint, Ma$e explained the hiatus from music. “I really retired once and that was in 1999,” Ma$e explained. “In 2004 I just was held under so much paperwork I just really couldn’t do anything. But I was never the person to talk about other people and I don’t pull other people down or put their business out there. So because I don’t take those low roads, it makes me look confusing. I can say things, but that’s just not who I am.”

After a great deal of speculation, Atlanta rapper Trinidad James has signed with Def Jam Recordings. This according to label president Joie Manda, who told Billboard the news earlier today (December 13th). After Trinidad James has garnered nearly 3 million views on his widely popular “All God Everything,” industry executives were up in arms to sign the fast rising star. “We’re excited to welcome a young talent like Trinidad James to the Def Jam family,” Joie Manda said. “Def Jam prides itself as both a cornerstone of Hip-Hop rich tradition, and as a vital, forward-thinking label dedicated to breaking and nurturing emerging artists. Trinidad James represents the cutting-edge of what’s happening in the culture today. We are thrilled to have him at the label, and look forward to growing his already massive buzz.” Trinidad put things rather simply saying, “Def Jam, thank you for believing.” Several major industry executives were at his New York City show on December 4, as Def Jam’s Joie Manda, Shawn Pecas, Chris Atlas, ” Barry Weiss and Atlantic Records’ Mike Keyser were all seen in attendance.